St. John's

“What’s up, dad?” Our seven year old, Sam, appeared from the otherwise quiet upstairs. It was just before dawn. I had been reflecting on the Lord’s promises while looking through pictures used two weeks earlier for a video tribute at my dad’s memorial celebration.

“Hey, when did that happen? I don’t remember this,” Sam blurted.

Realizing his confusion I just played along. “What do you mean, Sam?”

“When did we go horse back riding?”

I pointed at each of the two figures. “Who is that? Who is that?”

“That’s me. And that’s you!” His eyes were so bright, beaming with confidence and pride. Mine moistened.

“No Sam. That’s me and that’s Grandpa”, my voice shakily responded.

“No it’s not!” He shot back; very sure he knew what he was looking at.

My arms squeezed him tightly to my chest and I held on to God’s gift, recalling very well my dad’s arm around me. I even remember the baseball jacket and cap, identical to my brother’s. It was so long ago and yet seems like yesterday.

“They will proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn—for he has done it.” Psalm 22: 31

Those words ended up being the last words my father and I shared during our “alone times” in the hospital. Reading to him had been his idea. Though he couldn’t speak because of the ventilator he pointed to the Bible and signaled me: Read!

I obeyed, choosing to begin with Psalms, chapter one. So… on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday before dawn my father and I shared time alone with our Father. Monday morning’s reading would be with others as dad’s condition had changed dramatically over night. Ironically, dad—no longer encumbered by a breathing apparatus—led his family and friends in the 23rd Psalm, the very words following, “They will proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn—for he has done it.”

It’s been almost three months since dad left us and my voice still shakes at times. I still smile every time I look at that picture, thinking of my dad and my son… and our Father whose Strong Arms enfold us and whose Words still encourage us, pointing us to His righteousness now ours because of His Son.

No amount of thanks is enough for the One who gave His Son into death so we might be forgiven. He calls us to believe, live each day in the joy of His Son’s resurrection, and in hope for His final return.

“Come quickly, Lord Jesus.”

Pastor Jeff

PS:  Feel free to comment, maybe posting a story of God’s Hand in your life or that of your loved ones. You are also always welcome to send a question to me or to our other pastors.